Oilers training camp: Smith fails physical, Koekkoek taking break for mental health
As the Edmonton Oilers opened training camp on Wednesday, general manager Ken Holland had a number of updates on his players.
Mike Smith, the Oilers’ No. 1 netminder last season, failed his physical entering training camp and will be placed on long-term injured reserve.
Defenceman Cody Ceci will miss the first three days of training camp due to a hamstring injury. Holland said that’s part of the reason Jason Demers received a professional tryout.
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Slater Koekkoek, a defenceman who played 19 games for Edmonton last season, is taking a personal leave from the Oilers due to mental health reasons.
Lastly, Holland said he expects Ryan McLeod, a 23-year-old restricted free agent, to have a new contract and join the club on Wednesday.
Notes from Ken Holland:
???? Ceci (hamstring) will miss the first few days of Training Camp
???? Koekkoek (personal) will be away from the team indefinitely
???? Smith failed his physical & will be placed on LTIR
???? Hopeful to have McLeod on the ice tomorrow with a new contract pic.twitter.com/F2Z8zPGwwx— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) September 21, 2022
